The province has issued a statement about people feeling unsafe in their communities due to the war in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has increased patrols near worship centres due to global online threats, and the RCMP say they are also monitoring the situation—though they are not aware of any specific threats.

In a joint statement from Premier Andrew Furey, Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne, and Justice and Public Safety Minister John Hogan, they say government condemns violence or hate in any form, and antisemitism and Islamophobia will not be condoned.

Government says the safety of people in the province is of the utmost importance, and they will not tolerate any act that compromises that.

They say they stand with the federal government in condemning acts of terror and are calling on all parties to abide by international law.

Anyone who feels unsafe is asked to contact police, and people experiencing challenges with their mental health are encouraged to visit the Bridge the Gapp website or call 811.

Meanwhile, the statement from government comes following an impassioned plea from a local leader in the Jewish community.

Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky published an email sent to several public leaders, including Premier Furey and St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen, saying he’s “appalled” at their silence about what he calls the “unprecedented, recorded, sadistic massacre” in Israel.

My message to our "leadership" pic.twitter.com/RwWe8Sl61E

— Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky (@Rabbichanan) October 13, 2023

He ended the email by asking the leaders to “speak up for what’s right and stop the silence.”

Chernistky says Furey called him after the email was sent and promised to publish an apology and to keep the Jewish community safe.

Chernitsky acknowledges the statement that was released, but notes that it did not include an apology.

Update: @PremierofNL called me and promised they will:

– publish an apology
– keep the Jewish community safe

Thanks for listening to my screams Premier

— Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky (@Rabbichanan) October 13, 2023